Information processing apparatus, method for displaying information, non-transitory storage medium encoded with computer readable program, and information processing system

ABSTRACT

An exemplary embodiment provides an information processing apparatus configured to be capable of communicating data with another information processing apparatus present within a prescribed range. The information processing apparatus includes a transmission and reception portion configured to receive information for communication from another information processing apparatus. The information for communication includes position information relating to an information processing apparatus which is a source of transmission of the information for communication. The information processing apparatus further includes a display portion. A display control module is configured to perform display processing based on a first distance calculated based on the position information relating to the information processing apparatus which is the source of transmission of the information for communication and position information relating to an apparatus including the display control module.

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2013-85932 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 16, 2013, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The technology herein generally relates to an information processingapparatus, a method for displaying information, a non-transitory storagemedium encoded with a computer readable program, and an informationprocessing system, and particularly to an information processingapparatus capable of communicating data with another informationprocessing apparatus present within a prescribed range, a method fordisplaying information in the apparatus, a program executed in theapparatus, and an information processing system including the apparatus.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

A system capable of providing data which can be made use of by anapplication to other information processing apparatuses by using nearfield communication has conventionally been known.

In the system as above, in an information processing apparatus to whichdata has been provided, zest of data communication is expected to beenhanced as the data is made use of in a variety of manners.

Exemplary embodiments provide an information processing apparatuscapable of enhancing zest of data communication, a method for displayinginformation in the apparatus, a program executed in the apparatus, andan information processing system including the apparatus.

An exemplary embodiment provides an information processing apparatusprovided to be capable of communicating data with another informationprocessing apparatus present within a prescribed range. The informationprocessing apparatus includes a transmission and reception portionconfigured to receive information for communication from anotherinformation processing apparatus. The information for communicationincludes position information relating to an information processingapparatus which is a source of transmission of the information forcommunication. The information processing apparatus further includes adisplay portion. A display control module is configured to performdisplay processing based on a first distance calculated based on theposition information relating to the information processing apparatuswhich is the source of transmission of the information for communicationand position information relating to an apparatus including the displaycontrol module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the information for communication includes asecond distance which is a distance based on records of transmission andreception. The display processing includes processing for display basedon a distance obtained from the first distance and the second distance.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display control module further includesan update portion configured to update the second distance in theinformation for communication received by the transmission and receptionportion by adding the first distance to the second distance in theinformation for communication.

In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission and reception portion isconfigured to transmit the updated information for communication toanother information processing apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission and reception portion isconfigured to transmit the updated information for communication to aserver. The information for communication includes identificationinformation identifying an information processing apparatus. Thetransmission and reception portion is configured to receive informationfor communication including identification information of eachinformation processing apparatus itself from the server. The displayprocessing includes processing for display based on a distancecalculated based on the information for communication received from theserver.

In an exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus furtherincludes an acceptance portion configured to accept input of positioninformation relating to each information processing apparatus itself.

In an exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus furtherincludes an obtainment portion configured to obtain position informationrelating to each information processing apparatus itself bycommunicating with an apparatus supplying position information relatingto each information processing apparatus itself.

In an exemplary embodiment, the obtainment portion is configured toobtain position information relating to each information processingapparatus itself at the time when information for communication isreceived from another information processing apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the information processing apparatus, theinformation for communication includes character data specifying acharacter. The display processing includes processing for displaying thecharacter data in a manner in accordance with a distance calculatedbased on the information for communication.

Exemplary embodiments provide a method for displaying information in aninformation processing apparatus provided to be capable of communicatingdata with another information processing apparatus present within aprescribed range. The method for displaying information includesreceiving, by the information processing apparatus, information forcommunication from another information processing apparatus. Theinformation for communication includes position information relating toan information processing apparatus which is a source of transmission ofthe information for communication. The method for displaying informationfurther includes performing, by the information processing apparatus,display processing based on a distance calculated based on the positioninformation relating to the information processing apparatus which isthe source of transmission and position information relating to eachinformation processing apparatus itself.

An exemplary embodiment provides a non-transitory storage medium encodedwith a computer readable program and executable by a computer. Thecomputer is configured to be capable of communicating data with anotherinformation processing apparatus present within a prescribed range. Theprogram causes the computer to receive information for communicationfrom another information processing apparatus. The information forcommunication includes position information relating to an informationprocessing apparatus which is a source of transmission of theinformation for communication. The program further causes the computerto perform display processing based on a distance calculated based onthe position information relating to the information processingapparatus which is the source of transmission and position informationrelating to each information processing apparatus itself.

An exemplary embodiment provides an information processing systemincluding a plurality of information processing apparatuses configuredto be capable of communicating data with another information processingapparatus present within a prescribed range. Each information processingapparatus includes a transmission and reception portion configured toreceive information for communication from another informationprocessing apparatus. The information for communication includesposition information relating to an information processing apparatuswhich is a source of transmission of the information for communication.Each information processing apparatus further includes a display controlmodule configured to perform display processing based on a firstdistance calculated based on the position information relating to theinformation processing apparatus which is the source of transmission andposition information relating to each information processing apparatusitself.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of theexemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting configuration of aninformation terminal control system according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting configuration ofhardware of an information processing apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting configuration ofhardware of a server according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows exemplary illustrative non-limiting storage contents in apart of a storage area within the information processing apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows exemplary illustrative non-limiting outlines of processingof a game application according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting timing chart ofprocessing in each apparatus in the information terminal control systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting diagram forillustrating a configuration of character information according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8 to 13 each show exemplary illustrative non-limiting characterinformation according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting screen of recordsaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 15 to 18 each show an exemplary illustrative non-limiting timingchart in communication processing according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting flowchart of a subroutine of step A14 in FIG. 18 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 20 to 25 each show an exemplary illustrative non-limitingdisplayed image according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting configuration ofcharacter information made use of in a first variation.

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting hardware block in asecond variation.

FIG. 28 shows exemplary illustrative non-limiting character informationhandled in a third variation.

FIG. 29 shows exemplary illustrative non-limiting character informationtransmitted and received in a fourth variation.

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting screen based oncharacter information, which is displayed in a fifth variation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of an information terminal control system will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the descriptionbelow, parts having the same function and action have the same referencecharacters allotted throughout the figures and redundant descriptionwill not be repeated.

[Configuration of Information Terminal Control System]

An information terminal control system 1000 including informationprocessing apparatuses 1A to 1C and a server 2 will be described belowas one embodiment. Information processing apparatuses 1A to 1C are byway of example of an information processing apparatus and each of themcan communicate with server 2. When characteristics common to these arementioned herein, they may also collectively be referred to as an“information processing apparatus 1.” For an information processingapparatus belonging to the information terminal control system accordingto the present embodiment, a portable telephone, a smart phone (ahigh-function portable telephone), a television set incorporating aninformation processing function, a portable information processingapparatus, a stationary information processing apparatus, and the likecan be adopted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of informationterminal control system 1000 according to one embodiment. In informationterminal control system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, information processingapparatus 1 can access server 2 through a network 9. Network 9 isrepresented, for example, by a wide area network (WAN) such as theInternet and a dedicated circuit, however, it is not limited thereto.More specifically, information processing apparatus 1 has a wirelesscommunication function as will be described later, and it exchanges datawith server 2 through an access point 7 electrically connected tonetwork 9. Communication between information processing apparatus 1 andserver 2 may be wired communication.

In the present embodiment, a communication manner in which informationprocessing apparatus 1 communicates with server 2 through network 9 isreferred to as “Internet communication”. In addition, a communicationmanner in which information processing apparatuses 1 carry out directwireless communication with each other without passing through network 9is referred to as “local communication”.

[Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus]

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of hardware of information processingapparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2,information processing apparatus 1 includes an input device 11, adisplay device 12, a processor 13, an internal storage device 14, a mainmemory 15, and a wireless communication device (wireless communicationmodule) 16.

Input device 11 is operated by a user of information processingapparatus 1 and outputs to processor 13, a signal in response to auser's operation. Input device 11 is implemented, for example, by across-shaped switch, a push button, or a touch panel. Display device 12displays an image on a screen. A displayed image includes, for example,at least one of an image generated in information processing apparatus 1and an image transmitted from an external apparatus to informationprocessing apparatus 1. Display device 12 includes such a known displaydevice as a liquid crystal display device (LCD).

Processor 13 is operation processing means for executing a computerprogram.

Internal storage device 14 stores a computer program to be executed byprocessor 13. Internal storage device 14 also stores characterinformation which will be described later. Internal storage device 14 isimplemented, by way of example, by a NAND-type flash memory. A programto be executed by processor 13 may be stored in internal storage device14 (from the time point of shipment or after shipment throughcommunication with another piece of equipment) or may be stored in arecording medium attachable to and removable from a main body ofinformation processing apparatus 1 (such as a universal serial bus (USB)memory).

Main memory 15 temporarily stores various types of data. Main memory 15is implemented, by way of example, by a pseudo-SRAM (Static RandomAccess Memory) (PSRAM).

Wireless communication device 16 functions as an interface forcommunication with another information processing apparatus 1 throughwireless communication. In addition, wireless communication device 16also functions as an interface for communication with server 2 throughaccess point 7.

[Hardware Configuration of Server]

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of hardware of server 2. As shown in FIG. 3,server 2 includes an input device 21, a display device 22, a processor23, a hard disk drive (HDD) 24, a main memory 25, and a networkinterface 26.

Input device 21 is operated by a user of server 2 and outputs toprocessor 23, a signal in response to a user's operation. Input device21 is implemented, for example, by a keyboard or a mouse. Display device22 displays an image on a screen and it is implemented, for example, bya liquid crystal display device (LCD).

Processor 23 is operation processing means for executing a computerprogram. HDD 24 stores a computer program to be executed by processor23. The computer program includes a program for causing server 2 tofunction as a server apparatus.

Main memory 25 temporarily stores a computer program or information.Main memory 25 is implemented, by way of example, by a PSRAM. Networkinterface 26 also functions as an interface for communication withinformation processing apparatus 1. Network interface 26 is implemented,for example, by a LAN card.

[Internet Communication]

“Internet communication” which is a manner of communication betweeninformation processing apparatus 1 and server 2 will be described. Inthe “Internet communication”, information processing apparatus 1connects to access point 7 under a scheme complying, for example, withIEEE 802.11 and connects to network 9 through access point 7.Information processing apparatus 1 communicates with server 2 throughnetwork 9.

Processing for executing a task is exemplified as one example ofprocessing for information processing apparatus 1 to communicate withserver 2 through network 9. The task in the present embodiment refers toprocessing involving transmission and reception of prescribed data. Morespecifically, the task is categorized into two types of a “transmissiontask” and a “reception task” and they may also simply collectively bereferred to as a “task” herein. Data indicating contents of the taskincludes information specifying a connection destination such as a URLof a server.

[Local Communication]

“Local communication” which is a manner of communication betweeninformation processing apparatuses 1 will be described. In the presentembodiment, information processing apparatus 1 can exchange data forapplication which can be made use of by a prescribed application program(such as a game application) through “local communication”. “Localcommunication” refers to such communication that prescribed data(“character information” in the present embodiment) stored in internalstorage device 14 is transmitted automatically (without a user'soperation) to another information processing apparatus 1 present at ashort distance and data for exchange stored in internal storage device14 of another information processing apparatus 1 is receivedautomatically (without a user's operation) from another informationprocessing apparatus 1. It is noted that local communication is alsoreferred to as passing communication in the present example.

More specifically, local communication is carried out by cooperation ofprocessor 13, wireless communication device 16, and the like ininformation processing apparatus 1. This processing is processingperformed as background processing, for example, while informationprocessing apparatus 1 is in what is called a sleep state (which mayalso be referred to as a stand-by state). For example, during sleep,such control that wireless communication device 16 basically mainlyoperates and sleep of processor 13 is temporarily canceled as necessaryso that processor 13 temporarily mainly operates is carried out (forexample, processing for searching for another information processingapparatus 1 is performed by wireless communication device 16 andtransmission and reception of data is carried out by processor 13). Inaddition, for example, information processing apparatus 1 may include,separately from processor 13, a second processor operable with low powerconsumption, and during sleep, the second processor may mainly operate.Moreover, local communication may be carried out as appropriate inresponse to a user's instruction operation or the like even wheninformation processing apparatus 1 is not in a sleep state.

In local communication, for example, information processing apparatus 1repeatedly searches for another unspecified information processingapparatus 1 present within coverage of near field communication. Then,information processing apparatus 1 automatically transmits characterinformation to another information processing apparatus 1 which wasfound as a result of search, and automatically receives characterinformation stored in internal storage device 14 of another informationprocessing apparatus from that another information processing apparatus.

“Local communication” above is carried out, for example, at the timewhen users each carrying information processing apparatus 1 pass eachother. The character information is generated prior to “localcommunication” based on a user's operation or the like and stored inadvance in a prescribed area of internal storage device 14.

FIG. 1 shows an area AR1 and an area AR2 as an example of coverage ofnear field communication. Area AR1 shows coverage of near fieldcommunication of information processing apparatus 1A. Area AR2 showscoverage of near field communication of information processing apparatus1C.

For example, when moving information processing apparatus 1B is locatedwithin area AR1, information processing apparatus 1A and informationprocessing apparatus 1B carry out local communication. Thus, forexample, character information is transferred from informationprocessing apparatus 1A to information processing apparatus 1B. Inaddition, when area AR2 has moved to a position where informationprocessing apparatus 1B is included owing to movement of informationprocessing apparatus 1C, information processing apparatus 1B andinformation processing apparatus 1C carry out local communication. Thus,for example, the character information transferred from informationprocessing apparatus 1A to information processing apparatus 1B istransferred from information processing apparatus 1B to informationprocessing apparatus 1C.

[Outlines of Processing of Application]

Outlines of processing of an application making use of characterinformation transferred among a plurality of information processingapparatuses 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Inthe present embodiment, outlines of processing of a “game application”representing one example of an application using character informationwill be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing storage contents in a part ofa storage area within information processing apparatus 1. The storagearea is provided, for example, within internal storage device 14. FIG. 5is a diagram showing outlines of processing of a game applicationrelating to the present embodiment.

Referring first to FIG. 4, in the storage area within informationprocessing apparatus 1, a reception box for passing 141, a taskreception cache 142, an area for storing data for task transmission(hereinafter referred to as “data for task transmission”) 143, and atransmission box for passing 144 are provided. FIG. 4 shows a quadranglerepresenting a storage area within information processing apparatus 1,shows reception box for passing 141 in the upper left of the quadrangle,and shows task reception cache 142, data for task transmission 143, andtransmission box for passing 144 as aligned vertically in a descendingorder in a right portion of the quadrangle. Transmission box for passing144 is a memory area in which data to be transmitted during passingcommunication is stored. Reception box for passing 141 is a memory areain which data received during passing communication is stored.

On the premise that information processing apparatus 1 has a memorystructure as shown in FIG. 4, outlines of processing of a gameapplication relating to the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows an information processing apparatus Ato an information processing apparatus C, which correspond toinformation processing apparatus 1A to information processing apparatus1C in FIG. 1, respectively. It is assumed that a game application isinstalled in each of information processing apparatus A to C. FIG. 5further shows server 2. In a game application according to the presentembodiment, for example, “character information” generated ininformation processing apparatus A is successively transferred to otherinformation processing apparatuses (information processing apparatusesB, C) through passing communication. Thus, such a presentation that acharacter expressed by character information sequentially travelsinformation processing apparatuses A, B, C can be realized. Thus, zestof the game application can be enhanced.

The “character information” in the present embodiment includes at leastidentification information (a terminal ID) for identifying informationprocessing apparatus 1 in which the character information has beengenerated and information representing characteristics for eachcharacter (parameter information). The “character information” mayinclude information representing the number of times of transmission(transfer) (the number of times of movement). The character informationmay be generated by the game application or by another application.

In FIG. 5, initially, character information (“CI” in FIG. 5) isgenerated in information processing apparatus A and stored intransmission box for passing 144. Thereafter, as passing communicationis carried out, the character information moves from informationprocessing apparatus A to information processing apparatus B. Thus, thecharacter information is moved to reception box for passing 141 ofinformation processing apparatus B.

Thereafter, when the game application is executed in informationprocessing apparatus B, the character information is moved withininformation processing apparatus B, from reception box for passing 141to an area where processing data of the game application is to be stored(hereinafter referred to as a “work area”). During movement, when the“character information” includes “the number of times of movement,”information processing apparatus B updates the character informationsuch that a prescribed value is added to “the number of times ofmovement.” Namely, information processing apparatus 1B updates byincrement, “the number of times of movement,” as the characterinformation is received.

Information processing apparatus B can further update parameterinformation included in the character information received frominformation processing apparatus A (such as an “experience parameter”which will be described later). The experience parameter represents oneexample of parameter information. Information processing apparatus Bupdates parameter information, for example, in response to a user'soperation. Contents of update of the parameter information are changed,for example, in accordance with contents of the user's operation. Morespecifically, magnitude of a value by which parameter information is tobe changed is determined in accordance with the contents of the user'soperation.

Then, information processing apparatus B generates information fortransmission (“Info” in FIG. 5) for transmitting updated characterinformation to server 2 and causes the information to be stored in datafor task transmission 143. In addition, information processing apparatusB generates and registers also a “transmission task” for transmitting“Info” to server 2 at appropriate timing. Consequently, a “transmissiontask” is executed at appropriate timing. Thus, “Info” is transmittedfrom information processing apparatus B to server 2. Server 2accumulates “Info” transmitted from information processing apparatus B.

Then, passing communication takes place between information processingapparatus B and information processing apparatus C, so that thecharacter information moves from transmission box for passing 144 ofinformation processing apparatus B to reception box for passing 141 ofinformation processing apparatus C. The character information moved hereis character information updated in information processing apparatus Bafter it moved from information processing apparatus A to informationprocessing apparatus B. Passing communication may take place before orafter transmission of “info” from information processing apparatus B toserver 2.

Depending on contents of processing of the game application ininformation processing apparatus B, the character information may bemoved (transferred) from information processing apparatus B toinformation processing apparatus C without change in value for parameterinformation. The character information being stored in reception box forpassing 141 of information processing apparatus B and then moved totransmission box for passing 144 via a work area is herein referred toas “update”. Namely, the parameter information may be updated withoutits value being changed.

In information processing apparatus C, when the game application isexecuted, the character information transmitted from informationprocessing apparatus B is moved from reception box for passing 141 to awork area. When the character information includes “the number of timesof movement,” information processing apparatus C updates the characterinformation such that a prescribed value is added to the “number oftimes of movement” with such movement.

Thereafter, in information processing apparatus C, after the characterinformation is updated in accordance with the contents of processing ofthe game application, it is moved to transmission box for passing 144.Then, likewise information processing apparatus B, informationprocessing apparatus C generates “Info” and a transmission task andtransmits the character information to server 2. In addition, as aresult of passing communication between information processing apparatusC and another information processing apparatus, the characterinformation is transferred to another information processing apparatus.

Thus, the character information generated in information processingapparatus A is successively transferred to other information processingapparatuses through passing communication. In addition, informationprocessing apparatuses B, C which have received the characterinformation transmit “Info” to server 2 as appropriate. On the otherhand, information processing apparatus A obtains “Log” accumulated inserver 2. “Log” refers to Info corresponding to each informationprocessing apparatus itself, of “Info” accumulated in server 2.Information processing apparatus A generates a “reception task” in orderto obtain “Log” and receives “Log” at appropriate timing.

Information processing apparatus A can display how the characterinformation generated and transmitted by information processingapparatus A has been changed through transfer, by making use of “Log”.

[Outlines of Communication Between Apparatuses]

Outlines of processing for communication between apparatuses in theinformation terminal control system will be described with reference toFIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a timing chart of processing in each apparatus ininformation terminal control system 1000. In FIG. 6, informationprocessing apparatuses 1A to 1C are expressed as information processingapparatuses A to C, respectively.

Initially, as shown with an arrow L01 in FIG. 6, passing communicationbetween information processing apparatus 1A and information processingapparatus 1B is carried out. Thus, character information is transmittedfrom information processing apparatus 1A to information processingapparatus 1B. A state of parameter information in the characterinformation transmitted this time is a state generated in informationprocessing apparatus 1A. “α” in FIG. 6 represents a state of parameterinformation at this time.

Then, in step B01, information processing apparatus 1B updates theparameter information in the character information transmitted frominformation processing apparatus 1A. In FIG. 6, a state of the parameterinformation after update in information processing apparatus 1B isrepresented by “α+β”. FIG. 6 expresses update of the characterinformation in information processing apparatus 1B as addition of “β” tothe character information. Information processing apparatus 1B transmitsthe character information corresponding to “α+β” to server 2 through theInternet communication (an arrow L02). The character information isaccumulated in server 2 (step S01).

Thereafter, as shown with an arrow L03 in FIG. 6, passing communicationbetween information processing apparatus 1B and information processingapparatus 1C is carried out. Thus, the character informationcorresponding to “α+β” is transmitted from information processingapparatus 1B to information processing apparatus 1C.

Then, in step C01, information processing apparatus 1C updates theparameter information in the character information transmitted frominformation processing apparatus 1B. FIG. 6 shows a state of theparameter information after update in information processing apparatus1C as “α+β+γ”. FIG. 6 expresses update of the character information ininformation processing apparatus 1C by addition of “γ” to the characterinformation. Information processing apparatus 1C transmits the characterinformation corresponding to “α+β+γ” to server 2 through the Internetcommunication (an arrow L04). The character information is accumulatedin server 2 (step S03).

The character information accumulated in server 2 is transmitted toinformation processing apparatus 1 in which the character informationhas been generated. In the example in FIG. 6, character informationcorresponding to each of “α+β” and “α+β+γ” is transmitted from server 2to information processing apparatus 1A (an arrow L05).

In step A01, information processing apparatus 1A performs displayprocessing making use of the received character information. In stepA01, display making use of the character information represented by“α+β” and display making use of the character information represented by“α+β+γ” may separately be provided or display based on combination ofsuch character information may be provided.

It is noted that, in a case where information processing apparatus 1B isdisabled from communicating with server 2 or the like, the characterinformation may be transmitted from information processing apparatus 1Cto server 2 (arrow L04) before the character information is transmittedfrom information processing apparatus 1B to server 2 (arrow L02). Thus,in transmission of the character information from server 2 toinformation processing apparatus 1A (arrow L05), there may be a casewhere only the character information corresponding to “α+β+γ” istransmitted.

Thereafter, when information processing apparatus 1B is now able tocommunicate with server 2, the character information may be transmittedfrom information processing apparatus 1B to server 2 after the characterinformation is transmitted from information processing apparatus 1C toserver 2 (arrow L04). Thus, there may be a case where server 2 transmitsto information processing apparatus 1A, the character informationtransmitted from information processing apparatus 1B after the characterinformation transmitted from information processing apparatus 1C.

In the processing described with reference to FIG. 6, informationprocessing apparatus 1A transmits only the character informationgenerated in information processing apparatus 1A. It is noted that,likewise information processing apparatuses 1B, 1C, informationprocessing apparatus 1A can also receive character information generatedin another information processing apparatus 1 and can also transmit thereceived character information to another information processingapparatus 1. Thus, since character information generated in anotherinformation processing apparatus 1 can be transmitted, opportunities fordata communication increase and zest of data communication can beenhanced.

Furthermore, in the processing described with reference to FIG. 6,information processing apparatus 1 (information processing apparatus 1B,information processing apparatus 1C) performs a set of processingconsisting of update of the character information received from anotherinformation processing apparatus 1 and transmission of updated characterinformation to yet another information processing apparatus 1. Then,each time information processing apparatus 1 performs the set ofprocessing once, it transmits updated character information to server 2.It is noted that transmission of updated character information to server2 may be withheld until the set of processing is performed a prescribednumber of times. For example, information processing apparatus 1 maygenerate a transmission task for transmitting updated characterinformation to server 2 on condition that the set of processing wasperformed twice.

[Processing for Communication Between Apparatuses]

Contents of processing for communication between apparatuses ininformation terminal control system 1000 will now be described morespecifically with reference to FIGS. 7 to 19. FIGS. 7 to 13 are diagramsshowing specific examples of character information. FIG. 14 is a diagramshowing one example of a screen displayed based on the characterinformation. FIGS. 15 to 18 are timing charts in the communicationprocessing. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a sub routine of step A14 in FIG.18.

FIG. 7 shows a general configuration of character information. Thecharacter information includes basic information D10 and additionalinformation D20A, D20B . . . . Basic information D10 is a basic portionof the character information. Additional information D20A, D20B . . . isinformation added in information processing apparatus 1 which is atransfer destination of the character information. Additionalinformation D20A, D20B . . . may also collectively be referred to asadditional information D20.

Basic information D10 includes at least a character code, the number oftimes of movement, a terminal ID, an experience parameter, and a name ofan island of origin. The character code refers to data specifyingappearance in a case where a character corresponding to characterinformation is displayed. For example, in a case where a character lookslike a person, the character code is information specifying a color ofeyes, a hairstyle, and the like. Information processing apparatus 1 canrefer to information bringing a character code in correspondence with anobject (such as a table). Thus, each information processing apparatus 1can display an object corresponding to the character code (such as acharacter 50 which will be described later) if it obtains the charactercode. Information bringing a character code in correspondence with anobject may be stored in internal storage device 14 or the like of eachinformation processing apparatus 1 or may be stored in a storage deviceon a network accessible by processor 13. The information is common toinformation processing apparatuses 1 belonging to information terminalcontrol system 1000.

The number of times of movement refers to information representing thenumber of times of transfer of character information. When parameterinformation in the character information is updated once, a value forthe number of times of movement is updated by increment, for example, by“1”.

The terminal ID refers to identification information providedspecifically for each information processing apparatus, and here, itrefers to information specifying information processing apparatus 1which has generated the character information.

The experience parameter refers to information of which value is changedin accordance with contents of processing in a game application ininformation processing apparatus 1. Depending on contents of processingin the game application, a value for an experience parameter mayincrease, decrease, or remain unchanged when the parameter informationis updated.

Each information processing apparatus 1 stores, for example, a name ofinformation processing apparatus 1 input by the user. A name of anisland of origin is a name of information processing apparatus 1 whichhas generated the character information.

Each piece of additional information D20 includes at least a name of anisland, souvenir data, a flag for presentation, and data forpresentation. A name of an island is a name of information processingapparatus 1 which is a transfer destination. Souvenir data is datarepresenting a “souvenir” made use of in processing which will bedescribed later. A flag for presentation is a flag regardingpresentation of specific contents. Data for presentation is data madeuse of for presentation. The flag for presentation and the data forpresentation are information generated in accordance with contents ofprocessing in the game application in information processing apparatus 1which is a transfer destination.

For example, character information generated in information processingapparatus 1A includes only basic information D10. As a result of updatein information processing apparatus 1B, additional information D20A isadded to the character information. Thereafter, the characterinformation is transferred to information processing apparatus 1C andupdated in information processing apparatus 1C, so that additionalinformation D20B is further added to the character information.

Referring to FIG. 15, in step A10, information processing apparatus 1Agenerates character information. FIG. 8 shows one example of thegenerated character information.

In the character information shown in FIG. 8, “CR0101” is set as oneexample of a value for a character code, “island (0)” is set as oneexample of a value for a name of an island of origin, “0” is set as oneexample of a value for the number of times of movement, “TA0123” is setas one example of a value for a terminal ID, and “0” is set as oneexample of a value for an experience parameter. The value for a terminalID “TA0123” is a value specifying information processing apparatus 1A.

Then, information processing apparatus 1A transmits the characterinformation to information processing apparatus 1B through passingcommunication with information processing apparatus 1B. In responsethereto, information processing apparatus 1B receives the characterinformation in step B10.

The game application of information processing apparatus 1B in FIG. 15causes a screen, for example, as shown with a screen IMG10, to bedisplayed until information processing apparatus 1B receives characterinformation from other information processing apparatuses 1 includinginformation processing apparatus 1A. Screen IMG10 shows a dock wherenobody is present, which represents one example of a display screenshowing a stand-by state in the game application.

When information processing apparatus 1B receives the characterinformation from information processing apparatus 1A (step B10),information processing apparatus 1B moves the character informationreceived in step B10 from reception box for passing 141 to the workarea.

Thereafter, information processing apparatus 1B updates the characterinformation transmitted from information processing apparatus 1A inaccordance with contents of processing by the game application (stepB12). FIG. 9 shows one example of the updated character information. Ascompared with FIG. 8, a value for the number of times of movement of thecharacter information in FIG. 9 has been incremented by 1 and additionalinformation including an island name “island (1)” has been added to thecharacter information. The additional information includes the islandname “island (1)”, souvenir data having a value “P”, and a flag forpresentation and data for presentation each having a value “NULL”. Thevalue “P” for the souvenir data indicates a souvenir of the islandcorresponding to information processing apparatus 1B (such as a specifictype of food). The flag for presentation and the data for presentationwill be described later.

Then, the game application of information processing apparatus 1Bcauses, for example, a screen IMG12 to be displayed. Screen IMG 12 showsa scene that character 50 who was put on board a boat from anotherisland has arrived at the dock. Character 50 corresponds to thecharacter code “CR0101” and a traveler named “Ken”.

Referring to FIG. 16, in step B14, information processing apparatus 1Bstands by until occurrence of an event “record display” or an event“receive hospitality”. When the event “record display” occurs, controlproceeds to step B16. When the event “receive hospitality” occurs,control proceeds to step B18. The event occurs, for example, based on auser's operation.

In step B16, information processing apparatus 1B displays records of acharacter in character information. A screen IMG14 represents oneexample of a screen showing records. Since received progress records ofa character can be checked, zest of data communication can be enhanced.Screen IMG 14 includes, together with a title “Ken's travel records”, an“island of origin” having a value “island (0)” and an “experience point”having a value “0”. The “island of origin” is a name of an island oforigin in the character information. The “experience point” is a valuefor an experience parameter of the character information. Names ofinformation processing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C herein are defined as“island (0)”, “island (1)”, and “island (2)”, respectively.

Screen IMG14 further includes “the number of islands traveled” having avalue “1” and a “distance of travel” having a value “96 km”. “The numberof islands traveled” refers, for example, to the number of times ofmovement in the character information. The “distance of travel” refers,for example, to a length of a line connecting position information ofeach information processing apparatus 1 to which the characterinformation has been transferred, in the order of transfer of thecharacter information. In information terminal control system 1000, eachinformation processing apparatus 1 may specify position informationbased on a name of an island of each information processing apparatus 1.In addition, character information may include information specifyingposition information of an island, separately from a name of each island(an island of origin or a name of an island in additional information).The position information may be information representing a location(such as a name of a prefecture) or may be represented by a planecoordinate. It is noted that a value for a distance of travel may be aproduct of a value for the number of times of movement and a given unitdistance.

Screen IMG 14 further has a field of an “island traveled”. The fielddisplays “island (1)”. The field displays a name of informationprocessing apparatus 1 registered as an island name in “additionalinformation”.

In step B18, information processing apparatus 1B determines contents ofa problem of a character which will be made use of for presentation,among contents registered in advance. Then, in step B18, informationprocessing apparatus 1B provides such presentation display that thecharacter confides a problem having determined contents, as shown in ascreen IMG16. In screen IMG16, character 50 confides its problem ofhunger.

In step B20, information processing apparatus 1B determines whether ornot an event which occurred subsequent to display in step B18 indicatesimplementation of a solution of the problem. When an event “to solve theproblem” occurs, for example, a screen IMG18 (FIG. 17) is displayed andthereafter control proceeds to step B22 (FIG. 17). Screen IMG18 showspresentation display that food is given to the character in order tosolve the problem of “hunger”.

On the other hand, when an event “not to solve the problem” occurs,control proceeds from step B20 to step B24. The event “to solve theproblem” and the event “not to solve the problem” both occur based, forexample, on a user's operation.

In step B22, information processing apparatus 1B updates the characterinformation. FIG. 10 shows one example of updated character information.As compared with FIG. 9, the character information shown in FIG. 10 hasa value for the “experience parameter” incremented by “12”. Thereafter,control proceeds to step B24. The “experience parameter” may besubtracted by updating.

In step B24, information processing apparatus 1B detects whether or notan operation indicating agreement with transmission of a commemorativepicture has been performed. As the premise for step B24, for example,the game application in information processing apparatus 1B requests theuser to perform an operation to input “whether or not he/she agrees withtransmission of a commemorative picture.” When an operation indicatingagreement is performed, control proceeds to step B26, and when anoperation indicating disagreement is performed, control proceeds to stepB28.

In step B26, as shown in FIG. 11, values for the flag for presentationand the data for presentation are each updated and control proceeds tostep B28. A value “1” is set as a value for the flag for presentation.For the value for the data for presentation, a character code of thecharacter generated, for example, in information processing apparatus 1B(in the example in FIG. 11, a value “CR0121”) is set.

In step B28, information processing apparatus 1B stands by fromreception of character information in step B10 until dawn breaks. “Dawnbreaks” means, for example, that the time kept by a timer has passed aspecific time (for example, midnight). When dawn breaks, informationprocessing apparatus 1B prepares for next passing communication.“Prepare” here includes movement of updated character information (FIG.11) from the work area to transmission box for passing 144 andgeneration of a transmission task for transmission of the characterinformation to server 2. Server 2 accumulates the received characterinformation (step S10).

Thereafter, information processing apparatus 1B transmits the updatedcharacter information to information processing apparatus 1C as itcarries out passing communication with information processing apparatus1C. Here, the game application of information processing apparatus 1Bcauses, for example, a screen IMG20 to be displayed. Screen IMG20 showsa scene that character 50 which arrived at the island in screen IMG12(FIG. 15) is put on board a boat and leaves the island.

It is noted that the game application may provide presentation displaythat character 50 is caused to stand at the dock after it determinesthat the dawn broke and until information processing apparatus 1Bcarries out passing communication with another information processingapparatus 1. This presentation display can encourage the user ofinformation processing apparatus 1B to soon terminate such a state thatcharacter 50 stands alone at the dock, and thus the user can be invitedto carry out passing communication of information processing apparatus1B with another information processing apparatus 1.

In step C10, information processing apparatus 1C receives the characterinformation from information processing apparatus 1B, and thereafter itperforms processing (step B10 to step B28) the same as that performed byinformation processing apparatus 1B which received the characterinformation from information processing apparatus 1A (step C10). Thecharacter information is updated also in information processingapparatus 1C as in information processing apparatus 1B. Then,information processing apparatus 1C transmits the updated characterinformation to server 2, and in step C12, it transmits the updatedcharacter information to another information processing apparatus 1through passing communication. In accordance with a state ofcommunication in information processing apparatus 1C, informationprocessing apparatus 1C may transmit the updated character information(see FIG. 13 which will be described later) to server 2 and thereaftertransmit the same to another information processing apparatus 1, or viceversa. When server 2 receives the character information from informationprocessing apparatus 1C, it accumulates the character information (stepS12).

Update of character information in information processing apparatus 1Cwill be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. Initially, thecharacter information (FIG. 11) transmitted from information processingapparatus 1B has the number of times of movement incremented by “1” asshown in FIG. 12, and additional information “island (2)” is added tothe character information. A value “TA0125N” for souvenir data inadditional information expressed as island (2) is a value which iscombination of a value “TA0125” representing information processingapparatus 1C and a value “N” representing position information ofinformation processing apparatus 1C. Values for the flag forpresentation and the data for presentation are each set to “NULL”.

When solution of the problem is implemented in information processingapparatus 1C, a value for an experience parameter is incremented by 8 asshown in FIG. 13 and it has increased to “20”.

Whether or not to update values for the flag for presentation and thedata for presentation is determined based on contents of an operation asto whether or not to agree with transmission of a commemorative picturein the game application, as described as step B24. In the presentembodiment, in information processing apparatus 1B, an operationindicating agreement with transmission of a commemorative picture hasbeen performed. Therefore, in update of the character information ininformation processing apparatus 1B, values for the flag forpresentation and the data for presentation have been changed. It isassumed that, in information processing apparatus 1C, an operationindicating disagreement with transmission of a commemorative picture hasbeen performed. Thus, in the updated character information ininformation processing apparatus 1C, values for the flag forpresentation and the data for presentation remain as NULL, as shown inFIG. 13.

On the other hand, information processing apparatus 1A stands by untilan event of reception of character information accumulated in server 2occurs in step A12. Then, when the event occurs in informationprocessing apparatus 1A, information processing apparatus 1A requestsserver 2 to transmit the character information in information processingapparatus 1A. The request includes transmission, for example, of theterminal ID of information processing apparatus 1A itself and the timewhen the character information has previously been obtained from server2 (the time of previous obtainment). In response, server 2 transmits thecharacter information of information processing apparatus 1A (thecharacter information in which a value for a terminal ID is the value“TA0123” representing information processing apparatus 1A) toinformation processing apparatus 1A.

Server 2 has accumulated the character information (FIG. 11) transmittedfrom information processing apparatus 1B and the character information(FIG. 13) transmitted from information processing apparatus 1C (stepsS10, S12). Server 2 transmits to information processing apparatus 1A,the entire character information of information processing apparatus 1A,of the character information accumulated in server 2 after the time ofprevious obtainment, in response to the request from informationprocessing apparatus 1A. Namely, the character information transmittedfrom information processing apparatus 1B and the character informationtransmitted from information processing apparatus 1C are transmitted toinformation processing apparatus 1A.

Then, in step A14, information processing apparatus 1A performs displayprocessing with the use of the character information received fromserver 2. Contents of processing in step A14 will be described laterwith reference to FIGS. 19 to 25. The process proceeds to step A16. Instep A16, information processing apparatus 1A stands by until a user'soperation for displaying records of a character is performed. When theuser's operation is performed, information processing apparatus 1Acauses control to proceed to step A18. In step A18, informationprocessing apparatus 1A displays records of a character. FIG. 14 showsone example of a screen of records displayed in step A18. Wheninformation processing apparatus 1A receives two or more pieces ofcharacter information from server 2, it makes use of characterinformation greatest in the number of times of movement among them, tothereby create the screen in FIG. 14. More specifically, when FIG. 11and FIG. 13 are compared with each other, the character informationshown in FIG. 13 is greater in the number of times of movement.Therefore, information processing apparatus 1A makes use of thecharacter information shown in FIG. 13 to thereby create the screen inFIG. 14.

The screen in FIG. 14 includes items similar to those in screen IMG14 inFIG. 16. It is noted that, referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, increase invalue for an experience point by “20” in the screen in FIG. 14 is basedon increase in value for the experience parameter by “12” in informationprocessing apparatus 1B and increase by “8” in information processingapparatus 1C. The reason why the number of islands traveled increased by“1” in the screen in FIG. 14 is because the character information wastransmitted to information processing apparatus 1B and thereafter it wasfurther transmitted to information processing apparatus 1C. In thescreen in FIG. 14, the distance of travel increased by 22 km as comparedwith screen IMG14 in FIG. 16. This distance is, for example, a distancefrom a position specified by position information of informationprocessing apparatus 1B to a position specified by position informationof information processing apparatus 1C.

In addition, in the screen in FIG. 14, “island (1)” and “island (2)” areexemplified as islands traveled. Moreover, in the screen in FIG. 14, aregion to which each island belongs (position information) is also showntogether. Namely, where the character information has moved can beidentified based on records of a character and hence zest of datacommunication can be enhanced.

In the processing described above with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18, wheninformation processing apparatus 1 receives character information fromanother information processing apparatus 1, it updates the number oftimes of movement in the character information and adds additionalinformation to the character information. Furthermore, in informationprocessing apparatus 1, there is a case that setting for refusingreception of information from specific information processing apparatus1 can be made. In this case, even when information processing apparatus1 receives character information from specific information processingapparatus 1, it does not update the number of times of movement nor addthe character information.

[Display Processing (Step A14)]

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a sub routine of step A14. Referring to FIG.19, information processing apparatus 1A selects in step A1402, characterinformation to be displayed and control proceeds to step A1404. Morespecifically, when information processing apparatus 1A receives two ormore pieces of character information from server 2, it selects characterinformation to be displayed from among the two or more pieces ofcharacter information under a given condition. The condition here isexemplified, for example, by character information most recent among thetwo or more pieces of character information.

In step A1404, information processing apparatus 1A determines a mode ofdisplay of character information. In the present embodiment, two typesof display manners of “homecoming” and “letter” are prepared as displaymodes. When determination as a “homecoming” mode is made, controlproceeds to step A1406. When determination as a “letter” mode is made,control proceeds to step A1412. In step A1404, information processingapparatus 1A selects one manner of presentation out of two manners ofpresentation, such that, for example, each time processing shown in FIG.19 is performed, each of “homecoming” and “letter” is executed at aratio set in advance. For example, in a case where a ratio of“homecoming” is set to 1/3 and a ratio of “letter” is set to “2/3”, whenthe processing in FIG. 19 is performed 15 times, presentation of“homecoming” is selected approximately 5 times and presentation of“letter” is selected approximately 10 times.

It is noted that, in information processing apparatus 1A, a maximumvalue for the number of times of movement of the character informationreceived so far may be stored. In such a case, when a value for thenumber of times of movement of the character information selected instep A1402 is smaller than the stored maximum value, the characterinformation selected in step A1402 is not the character informationupdated in a most recent transfer destination. Therefore, in such acase, information processing apparatus 1A preferably selects in stepA1404, “letter” as a display mode without exception. In step A1406,information processing apparatus 1A generates a character object(character 50) and control proceeds to step A1408. Character 50 is anobject corresponding to a character code “CR0101”.

A character object is generated mainly based on a value for a charactercode. It is noted that a character object may be changed in accordancewith the number of times of movement. For example, a color of clothingworn by a character is changed in accordance with the number of times ofmovement. Thus, zest of passing communication (data communication) canbe enhanced.

In the present embodiment, additional information (island (1), island(2), . . . ) added to character information in each informationprocessing apparatus 1 makes up record information showing progressrecords, i.e., which information processing apparatus 1 has receivedcharacter information. In addition, the number of times of movementconstitutes record information similarly to additional information(island (1), island (2), . . . ). Then, a character object may besubject to change in color of clothing worn by the character inaccordance with the number of pieces of record information instead ofthe number of times of movement (for example, the number of pieces of“souvenir data” in the character information).

In step A1408, information processing apparatus 1A generates a souvenirobject and control proceeds to step A1410. The souvenir object refers,for example, to local specialties of a character's destination. A typeof the souvenir object is determined based on souvenir data (“P” ofisland (1), “N” of island (2)) in the character information. When aplurality of pieces of souvenir data are included in the characterinformation selected as an object to be displayed in step A1402, asouvenir object corresponding to partial souvenir data therein may begenerated or souvenir objects corresponding to the entire souvenir datamay be generated.

In step A1410, information processing apparatus 1A displays a screengenerated by making use of the character object generated in step A1406and the souvenir object generated in step A1408. Display contents instep A1410 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

In step A1410, initially, a screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. Thescreen shown in FIG. 20 shows a scene that a traveler (character 50)tells a player (the user of information processing apparatus 1A) thathe/she came back to his/her country (came home). This scene correspondsto the fact that the character corresponding to the characterinformation generated in information processing apparatus 1A hasreturned to information processing apparatus 1A. Then, a screen shown inFIG. 21 is displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 21 shows a scene thatcharacter 50 hands a souvenir to the user. Then, a screen shown in FIG.22 is displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 22 is a screen introducing asouvenir 51. Souvenir 51 in FIG. 22 is a souvenir object generated instep A1408. FIG. 22 shows a “papaya” by way of example of a souvenir.

Referring back to FIG. 19, in step A1412, information processingapparatus 1A determines whether or not a value “1” is set for at leastone flag for presentation in the character information. When the value“1” is set for at least one flag for presentation, control proceeds tostep A1414. When a value is not set for any flag for presentation (allNULL), control proceeds to step A1416.

In step A1414, data for presentation is extracted from the characterinformation (FIG. 11 or FIG. 13) selected as an object to be displayedin step A1402 and control proceeds to step A1416.

In step A1416, information processing apparatus 1A generates a letterobject and control proceeds to step A1418.

In step A1418, information processing apparatus 1A displays the letterobject generated in step A1416.

One example of a letter object displayed in step A1418 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. The letter object includes two parts.FIG. 23 shows a first part. A screen in FIG. 23 shows a message that “Itraveled two islands so far,” together with a scene that character 50reverts while he/she walks along the coast. The number of islandsincluded in the message is, for example, equal to the number of times ofmovement of the character information.

FIG. 24 shows one example of a second part and shows a scene that aphotograph FT01 is taken out of an envelope. Photograph FT01 includescharacter 50 and a character 55. Character 50 corresponds to thecharacter code “CR0101” generated in information processing apparatus1A. Character 55 corresponds to data for presentation (a character code)extracted in step A1414. A letter displayed in this example includes acommemorative picture in which character 50 generated in informationprocessing apparatus 1A is photographed together with character 55generated in another information processing apparatus 1 (informationprocessing apparatus 1B).

FIG. 25 shows another example of the second part and shows a scene thata photograph FT02 is taken out of an envelope. Photograph FT02 includesonly character 50.

Whether or not a photograph displayed in the second part includes acharacter generated in another information processing apparatus 1 isdetermined based on a manner of update of character information inanother information processing apparatus 1. More specifically, asdescribed with reference to steps B24, B26 in FIG. 17, it is determinedbased on whether or not an operation indicating agreement withtransmission of a commemorative picture has been performed ininformation processing apparatus 1 which is a transfer destination ofthe character information. When such an operation has been performed, avalue “1” is set for a flag for presentation in the characterinformation and the character information is updated such that data forpresentation is added. When an operation indicating disagreement withtransmission of a commemorative picture has been performed ininformation processing apparatus 1 which is a transfer destination ofthe character information, the character information is transmitted toserver 2 and further to information processing apparatus 1A while valuesfor the flag for presentation and the data for presentation each remainas “NULL”.

In the present embodiment, character information includes a flag forpresentation for each piece of additional information. It is noted thatonly one flag for presentation may be included commonly to everyadditional information in character information. In this case,information processing apparatus 1 which is a transfer destination ofcharacter information sets a value for the common flag for presentationto 1 or NULL, depending on contents of an operation indicatingagreement/disagreement with transmission of a commemorative picture. Instep A1412, when a value for the common flag for presentation is set to1, control proceeds to step A1414, and when it is set to NULL, controlproceeds to step A1416.

In the present embodiment described above, each of the processing for“homecoming” described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22 and theprocessing for “letter” described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25 canbe one example of display processing making use of an object. In theprocessing for “homecoming”, position information such as “P” functionsas display identification information specifying contents of a souvenir.In the processing for “letter”, data for presentation of characterinformation functions as display identification information specifyingcontents of a character photographed together with character 50generated in information processing apparatus 1A.

In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus canchange character information received between apparatuses and thereaftertransmit the resultant information to another information processingapparatus through passing communication. Then, the character informationchanged in another information processing apparatus can be receivedthrough a server and then displayed. Namely, since display processingbased on parameter information changed in another information processingapparatus is performed in an information processing apparatus, zest ofdata communication can be enhanced.

Though an experience parameter in character information is changed ininformation processing apparatus 1 which is a transfer destination inthe present embodiment, a character code may further be changed. Forexample, in a case where a game application performs processing forchanging a color of hairs of a character in information processingapparatus 1 which is a transfer destination (travel destination), thecharacter information is updated such that a value of a portion of thecharacter code corresponding to the color of hairs of the character ischanged.

[First Variation]

In the information terminal control system, character informationrepresenting one example of information for communication is transmittedand received among a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1.The character information shown in FIG. 7 and the like includesadditional information D20A, D20B. Additional information D20A, D20Bincludes information specifying information processing apparatus 1 whichis a transmission destination (an island name). Internal storage device14 of information processing apparatus 1 stores information associatingan island name and a position with each other. Processor 13 makes use ofthe information for specifying a position relating to each informationprocessing apparatus 1. The specified position is made use of forcalculating a “distance of travel” described above. On the other hand,character information in a first variation includes informationspecifying a position relating to each of information processingapparatuses 1. Calculation of a “distance of travel” in the firstvariation will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 26.

(Position Information Relating to Information Processing Apparatus)

FIG. 26 is a diagram for illustrating a configuration of characterinformation made use of in the first variation. As shown in FIG. 26,character information includes basic information D11 and additionalinformation D21A, D21B.

Basic information D11 further includes “position information on islandof origin,” as compared with basic information D10 in FIG. 7. “Positioninformation on island of origin” represents one example of positioninformation relating to information processing apparatus 1 whichgenerated the character information. Internal storage device 14 of eachinformation processing apparatus 1 may register position informationrelating to information processing apparatus 1 therein. The user mayregister an arbitrary place such as a place of memory of the user ininformation processing apparatus 1 as position information relating toinformation processing apparatus 1.

For example, “position information on island of origin” is incorporatedin the character information as “position information relating toinformation processing apparatus” stored in internal storage device 14is read at the time of generation of the character information. It isnoted that the timing of incorporation of “position information relatingto information processing apparatus” in the character information as“position information on island of origin” is not limited to the timepoint of generation of the character information, so long as the timingis before transmission from information processing apparatus 1 in whichthe character information has been generated to another informationprocessing apparatus 1.

Additional information D21A, D21B further includes “island positioninformation,” as compared with additional information D20A, D20B in FIG.7 and the like. Likewise additional information D20A, D20B, additionalinformation D21A, D21B is successively added to the characterinformation as the character information is updated in informationprocessing apparatus 1 which is a transfer destination. The “islandposition information” is position information relating to informationprocessing apparatus 1, which is stored in information processingapparatus 1 updating the character information.

As understood from the description above, “(N00, E00)” in FIG. 26represents one example of position information relating to informationprocessing apparatus 1 specified by “island (0)” (position informationon island of origin). In addition, “(N01, E01)”, “(N02, E02)” representexamples of position information relating to information processingapparatuses 1 specified by “island (1)”, “island (2)” (island positioninformation), respectively. “N00”, “N01”, “N02” represent examples ofvalues for north latitude. “E00”, “E01”, “E02” represent examples ofvalues for east longitude.

In the first variation, processor 13 makes use of “position informationon island of origin” or “island position information” for calculating a“distance of travel” described above. More specifically, in a case ofcalculating a “distance of travel” based on the character informationshown in FIG. 26, processor 13 calculates a distance between positioninformation on island of origin of island (0) and island positioninformation of island (1), to thereby calculate a distance between theisland position information of island (1) and island positioninformation of island (2). Then, processor 13 sums these two calculateddistances to thereby calculate a “distance of travel”.

(Input of Position Information Relating to Information ProcessingApparatus)

A manner of input of “position information relating to informationprocessing apparatus” will be described. The user can directly input“position information relating to information processing apparatus 1” ineach information processing apparatus 1, for example, by operating inputdevice 11.

In addition, the user can input an address or a location (such as a nameof facilities) as “position information relating to informationprocessing apparatus 1.” In this case, processor 13 specifies positioninformation corresponding to the address or the location (such as a nameof facilities) by searching a given table or the like. The table may bestored in internal storage device 14 or stored in a storage deviceoutside information processing apparatus 1, such as server 2.Association between an address or a location (such as a name offacilities) in the table above and a position is exemplified byassociation between a “prefecture name” as an address or a location(such as a name of facilities) and a position of a prefectural capitalof each prefecture as the position.

(Character Information)

The character information shown in FIG. 26 and the like includes islandposition information for each piece of additional information. It isnoted that, after a “distance of travel” is calculated as above, islandposition information other than island position information in the mostrecent additional information (additional information D21B in thecharacter information in FIG. 26) may be erased. Namely, processor 13may cause a “distance of travel” to be stored in the characterinformation, instead of island position information other than islandposition information in the most recent additional information, ofisland position information for each piece of additional information.Thus, a capacity of character information to be transmitted and receivedcan be suppressed, so that load imposed by processing for transmissionand reception on information processing apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

When such character information is transmitted to another informationprocessing apparatus 1, processor 13 of information processing apparatus1 which is a transmission destination calculates a distance based on“island position information in the most recent additional information”included in the received character information and the island positioninformation of information processing apparatus 1 which is thetransmission destination. Then, processor 13 calculates a new “distanceof travel” by summing the calculated distance and a “distance of travel”included in the received character information.

[Second Variation]

A second variation of information processing apparatus 1 includes meansfor obtaining position information. FIG. 27 is a block diagram ofhardware in the second variation of information processing apparatus 1.

As understood from FIG. 27, the second variation of informationprocessing apparatus 1 includes a global positioning system (GPS)reception device 17. GPS reception device 17 specifies a position ofinformation processing apparatus 1 by receiving radio waves from a GPSsatellite and outputs the specified position to processor 13. Processor13 causes internal storage device 14 to store the position specifiedbased on radio waves received from the GPS satellite as “positioninformation relating to information processing apparatus 1.” Thus, thesecond variation of information processing apparatus 1 can make use ofthe position obtained from the GPS satellite as “position information onisland of origin” or “island position information” in the characterinformation shown in FIG. 26.

It is noted that the GPS satellite is merely one example of means forobtaining position information. For example, position information mayalso be obtained by obtaining what is called a geo tag from access point7 or a server.

[Third Variation]

In a third variation of information processing apparatus 1, a positionat which character information has been transmitted and received amongthe plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 is made use of as“position information relating to information processing apparatus 1.” Aconfiguration in the third variation will be described below.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing one example of character informationhandled in the third variation of information processing apparatus 1. Asunderstood from FIG. 28, in the third variation, the characterinformation includes additional information D22A, D22B instead ofadditional information D21A, D21B. Each additional information D22A,D22B includes “passing position information” instead of “island positioninformation.”

Likewise the second variation, the third variation of informationprocessing apparatus 1 may include a hardware block configuration shownin FIG. 27. In the third variation of information processing apparatus1, processor 13 makes use of GPS reception device 17 at the time when itupdates character information in step B12 (see FIG. 15), to therebyobtain a position of information processing apparatus 1 and incorporatethe position in “island position information” in the characterinformation.

In FIG. 28, “island (1)” in additional information D22A corresponds toinformation processing apparatus 1B. Then, passing position informationin additional information D22A indicates a position of informationprocessing apparatus 1B at the time of reception of characterinformation from information processing apparatus 1A.

“Island (2)” in additional information D22B corresponds to informationprocessing apparatus 1C. Then, passing position information inadditional information D22B indicates a position of informationprocessing apparatus 1C at the time of reception of characterinformation from information processing apparatus 1B.

In calculation of a “distance of travel” based on the characterinformation shown in FIG. 28, processor 13 calculates a distance betweenposition information on island of origin of island (0) and passingposition information of island (1), to thereby calculate a distancebetween the passing position information of island (1) and passingposition information of island (2). Then, processor 13 calculates a“distance of travel” by summing these two calculated distances. Thus,the “distance of travel” can be calculated as a distance of a path closeto an actual path of travel of the character information.

Namely, the calculated distance is calculated as a distance of a pathhaving each point of actual transmission and reception of the characterinformation as a relay point. In this path, a position registered ininformation processing apparatus 1 in which the character informationhas been generated (position information on island of origin) is thestarting point and each point of actual transmission and reception ofthe character information is a relay point. In the third variation,passing position information in additional information D22A, D22B is“position information relating to information processing apparatus 1”with regard to information processing apparatus 1 corresponding toadditional information D22A, D22B.

It is noted that the first variation to the third variation can becombined. Namely, some of position information (position information onisland of origin, island position information, passing positioninformation) in basic information or additional information in thecharacter information may indicate a position registered in advance ininformation processing apparatus 1 and other may indicate a position atthe time when the character information was received.

[Fourth Variation]

A fourth variation relates to calculation of a “distance of travel” in acase where character information does not include position informationof some information processing apparatuses 1.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing one example of character informationtransmitted and received in the fourth variation. Additional informationD23B in FIG. 29 does not have a value for passing position information.For example, when GPS reception device 17 of information processingapparatus 1C failed to receive radio waves from a GPS satellite in thethird variation, character information may be in a state as shown inFIG. 29.

In calculation of a “distance of travel” in a case where some positioninformation is missing, instead of a distance which should have beenobtained by making use of position information which should have beenpresent, a given distance is made use of. In calculation of a “distanceof travel” based on the character information shown in FIG. 29, passingposition information of island (2) is missing, and therefore a distancebetween passing position information of island (1) and passing positioninformation of island (2) cannot be calculated. Therefore, in the fourthvariation, processor 13 calculates a distance between positioninformation on island of origin of island (0) and passing positioninformation of island (1) and adds a given distance (such as 5 km) tothis distance, to thereby calculate a “distance of travel”.

Calculation of a “distance of travel” making use of a given distancewhen position information is missing described in the fourth variationis not limited to a case where position information is obtained by a GPSreception device. It is applicable also to a case where positioninformation stored in advance in information processing apparatus 1 ismade use of, such as a case where the user has not registered positioninformation in information processing apparatus 1.

It is noted that a method of calculating a “distance of travel” in thefourth variation is also applicable to a case where position informationof information processing apparatus 1 which is a transmission side ofthe character information matches with position information ofinformation processing apparatus 1 on a reception side. In the exampledescribed above, when passing position information of island (1) is thesame as passing position information of island (2) as well, processor 13calculates a distance between position information on island of originof island (0) and passing position information of island (1) and adds agiven distance (such as 5 km) to this distance, to thereby calculate a“distance of travel”.

[Fifth Variation]

In information processing apparatus 1, as character information is madeuse of, a total of distances each calculated for each transfer path isdisplayed as a “distance of travel” (see FIG. 14 or IMG14 in FIG. 16).In a fifth variation, a distance calculated for each transfer path isalso displayed, together with the total. FIG. 30 is a diagram showingone example of a screen based on character information, which isdisplayed in the fifth variation.

A screen in FIG. 30 includes display of names of three islands of“island (0)”, “island (1)”, and “island (2)” as “islands traveled”.Display of the names of these three islands means that characterinformation was transmitted from “island (0)” to “island (1)” andfurther transmitted from “island (1)” to “island (2)”.

The screen in FIG. 30 also includes display of a “distance of travel”(118 km). This distance is a total of distances calculated for each oftwo transmission paths. The two transmission paths are a transmissionpath from “island (0)” to “island (1)” and a transmission path from“island (1)” to “island (2)”.

The screen in FIG. 30 further includes display showing a distancebetween “island (0)” and “island (1)” (“42 km”) and display showing adistance between “island (1)” and “island (2)” (“76 km”). Each of thesecorresponds to the distance calculated for each transmission path above.

The distance between “island (0)” and “island (1)” is a distance betweenposition information on island of origin of “island (0)” and islandposition information (or passing position information) of “island (1)”.The distance between “island (1)” and “island (2)” is a distance betweenisland position information (or passing position information) of “island(1)” and island position information (or passing position information)of “island (2)”. According to the display as shown in FIG. 30, the usercan visually recognize relation of a position specified by positioninformation relating to each information processing apparatus 1. Thus,zest of data communication can be enhanced.

There is a case where the user can arbitrarily set position informationrelating to each information processing apparatus 1. Therefore, setposition information may significantly be different from a location towhich each information processing apparatus 1 is intimately related inthe real world (such as a user's home). In such a case, in particular, avalue of a distance displayed as a distance calculated for each transferpath has unpredictability and zest can further be enhanced.

A distance displayed as a distance for each transfer path in the fifthvariation may also be obtained in accordance with the fourth variationdescribed above. Namely, in a case of displaying a distance betweenposition information on island of origin of “island (0)” and islandposition information (or passing position information) of “island (1)”,when at least any one piece of information cannot be obtained, processor13 may display a given distance as the distance.

In addition, in a case where position information on island of origin of“island (0)” is the same as island position information (or passingposition information) of “island (1)” as well, processor 13 may displaya given distance as a distance between position information on island oforigin of “island (0)” and island position information (or passingposition information) of “island (1)”.

While certain example systems, methods, devices, and apparatuses havebeen described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claimsare not to be limited to the systems, methods, devices, and apparatusesdisclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising:memory; a wireless communication interface; a display screen; and atleast one processor configured to communicate, via the wirelesscommunication interface, data with another information processingapparatus present within a prescribed range, the at least one processorfurther configured to: receive via the wireless communication interface,and to store in the memory, information for communication from a firstother information processing apparatus present within the prescribedrange, said information for communication including (1) positioninformation relating to the first other information processing apparatusand (2) a distance information, wherein the distance information relatesto a second distance determined from at least a position relating to thefirst other information processing apparatus and a position relating toa second other information processing apparatus which is a source oftransmission of the information for communication, the first otherinformation processing apparatus and the second other informationprocessing apparatus each being a portable device capable of exchangingposition information with the other; and display on the display screen,information based at least on (a) a first distance calculated based onthe position information relating to said first other informationprocessing apparatus and the distance information, and (b) the positioninformation relating to the first other information processingapparatus.
 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said second distance is based on records of transmission andreception, and said display processing includes processing for displaybased on a distance obtained from said first distance and said seconddistance.
 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to update saidsecond distance in the received information for communication by addingsaid first distance to said second distance in the information forcommunication.
 4. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein the at least one processor is further configured totransmit updated said information for communication to anotherinformation processing apparatus.
 5. The information processingapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one processor isfurther configured to transmit updated said information forcommunication to a server, said information for communication includesidentification information identifying an information processingapparatus, the at least one processor is further configured to receiveinformation for communication including identification information ofeach information processing apparatus itself from said server, and saiddisplay processing includes processing for display based on a distancecalculated based on the information for communication received from saidserver.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to accept inputof position information relating to said each information processingapparatus itself.
 7. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured toobtain position information relating to said each information processingapparatus itself by communicating with an apparatus supplying positioninformation relating to said each information processing apparatusitself.
 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to obtain theposition information relating to each information processing apparatusitself when information for communication is received from anotherinformation processing apparatus.
 9. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information forcommunication includes character data specifying a character, and saiddisplay processing includes processing for displaying said characterdata in a manner in accordance with a distance calculated based on saidinformation for communication.
 10. A method for displaying informationin an information processing apparatus configured to be capable ofcommunicating data with another information processing apparatus presentwithin a prescribed range, comprising: receiving, by said informationprocessing apparatus and store in a memory, information forcommunication from a first other information processing apparatus, saidinformation for communication including (1) position informationrelating to the first other information processing apparatus and (2) adistance information, wherein the distance information relates to asecond distance determined from at least a position relating to thefirst other information processing apparatus and a position relating toa second other information processing apparatus which is a source oftransmission of the information for communication, the first otherinformation processing apparatus and the second other informationprocessing apparatus each being a portable device capable of exchangingposition information with the other; and display, by said informationprocessing apparatus, on a display screen, information based on (a) adistance calculated based at least on the position information relatingto said first other information processing apparatus and the distanceinformation, and (b) the position information relating to the firstother information processing apparatus.
 11. A non-transitory storagemedium encoded with a computer readable program and executable by acomputer, said computer being configured to communicate data withanother information processing apparatus present within a prescribedrange, said program causing said computer to: receive, via a wirelesscommunication interface and store in a memory, information forcommunication from a first other information processing apparatus, saidinformation for communication including (1) position informationrelating to the first other information processing apparatus and (2) adistance information, wherein the distance information relates to asecond distance determined from at least a position relating to thefirst other information processing apparatus and a position relating toa second other information processing apparatus which is a source oftransmission of the information for communication, the first otherinformation processing apparatus and the second other informationprocessing apparatus each being a portable device capable of exchangingposition information with the other; and display, on the display screen,information based at least on (a) a first distance calculated based onthe position information relating to first other information processingapparatus and (b) the distance information and position informationrelating to the first other information processing apparatus.
 12. Aninformation processing system, comprising: a plurality of informationprocessing apparatuses configured to be capable of communicating datawith another information processing apparatus present within aprescribed range, each said information processing apparatus includingat least one processor configured to receive via the wirelesscommunication interface, and to store in a memory, information forcommunication from a first other information processing apparatus, saidinformation for communication including (1) position informationrelating to the first other information processing apparatus and (2) adistance information, wherein the distance information relates to asecond distance determined from at least a position relating to thefirst other information processing apparatus and a position relating toa second other information processing apparatus which is a source oftransmission of the information for communication, the first otherinformation processing apparatus and the second other informationprocessing apparatus each being a portable device capable of exchangingposition information with the other, and display, on a display screen,information based at least on (a) a first distance calculated based onthe position information relating to said first other informationprocessing apparatus, and (b) the distance information and positioninformation relating to the first other information processingapparatus.